Ruth Twitchell Obituary

Ruth Twitchell was faculty at Vero Beach High School in Vero Beach, FL. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Ruth Twitchell.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Passing	Aug 24, 2021
About	Ruth E. Twitchell, EdD Ruth Everglyn Palmer Twitchell, 98, passed away suddenly on August 24, 2021, at Victoria Landing, an independent living facility in Melbourne, FL, where she had lived for the past 2 years. Ruth was born March 13, 1923, in Sharon, CT. The family later moved to Ellington, CT, where Ruth grew up on her parents' dairy farm and attended school. In 1944, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Connecticut. She subsequently joined the US Navy WAVES and served as an aerographer's mate until the end of WWII. While in the Navy, she was stationed in Lake City, FL, and there met Russell Twitchell of Vero Beach, FL. They married August 23, 1947, in Ellington, CT. After their wedding the Twitchells settled in Vero Beach where Russell enjoyed a long career with the City of Vero Beach Utilities Department. After raising their two sons, Ruth began teaching for the School District of Indian River County. While teaching full-time, she earned a Master's degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University in 1970, and in 1981 a Doctorate in Education from the same institution. Ruth's educational career spanned more than 30 years. After teaching Math at Vero Beach High School for several years and earning her MEd, she moved into elementary school guidance. Later she became a school psychologist. Her love for children extended to her volunteer activities too. For many years, she taught swimming classes during the summer. She was also active in the Vero Beach Community Church. She was known for her never-failing kindness and interest in others and her wry sense of humor. Most recently she particularly enjoyed the activities and antics of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Russell E. Twitchell who died September 27, 2019, and her brother Theodore Palmer of Tolland, CT. She is survived by her sister Lois Palmer of Manchester, CT. She is also survived by her sons and daughters-in-law John Twitchell and Susan Webb of Indian Harbour Beach, FL; and R. Theodore (Ted) and Karen Twitchell of Dawsonville, GA. She was particularly proud of her 3 grandchildren, John and Susan's daughter Elizabeth Twitchell (Alexandria, VA) and son Charles Twitchell (Alameda, CA); and Ted and Karen's daughter and son-in-law Lieutenant Colonel Andrea Twitchell So and her husband Colonel Nelson So of Tacoma, WA, as well as their three daughters Vivian, Catherine, and Ingrid. A memorial service will be held at a later date.